Striped marlin year-round
The waters off Cabo hold the world's densest year-round striped marlin population. Multi-fish days are realistic Nov–Jun.
Cabo San Lucas Marina · Puerto Los Cabos
Sport Fishing in Los Cabos — The Marlin Capital of the World
Los Cabos earns its “Marlin Capital” nickname for a reason: the convergence of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific creates the richest billfish grounds in the Americas. Striped marlin runs year-round; blue and black marlin show up Jul–Oct, and dorado, yellowfin tuna and sailfish are reliable May–Nov. Tournament-grade fishing is 30–60 minutes from the marina.
Our partner sport-fishing fleet ranges from 28 to 50+ feet — from owner-operated pangas to twin-engine sport boats with tuna towers, fighting chairs and outriggers. Captains have 15+ years average experience in these waters and know the seasonal hot spots (Gordo Banks, Golden Gate, San Jaime, Finger Bank).
Half-day (4–5 h) and full-day (8 h) charters available. Tackle, bait, fishing license, fuel, ice, water and bilingual mate are included as standard. Catch-and-release for billfish is encouraged. Catch-and-keep for dorado/tuna — and the marina restaurants will cook your catch for dinner.
Why fish Los Cabos
What makes Los Cabos a world-class fishing destination
Three converging currents, deep water close to shore and a 50-year-old tournament fleet — Cabo is built for billfish.
Deep water close to shore
500-fathom water just 5 nautical miles from Cabo San Lucas Marina. You start fishing 30 minutes after leaving the dock.
Big fish Jul–Oct
Blue and black marlin enter the canyon Jul–Oct. Yellowfin tuna and dorado peak May–Nov. The Bisbee's Black & Blue (October) is the world's richest billfish tournament.
Tournament-bred captains
Many local captains have run the same waters 15+ years and compete in the Bisbee's, Gold Cup and Stars & Stripes. They know where the bite is.
All gear included
Penn / Shimano fishing rods (30–80 lb class), live bait, ballyhoo, lures, gaff, ice, fillet knives — all standard. Bring a hat and sunscreen.
Conservation-minded
Catch-and-release is standard for billfish. Operators participate in tag-and-release programs. Marlin populations have stayed healthy thanks to this culture.
Fishing trip options
4–5 hours · inshore + offshore
Half-day charter
Best for first-timers, families or shorter days. Targets dorado, sailfish and small tuna closer to shore. Light tackle.
Book half-day →8 hours · canyon & banks
Full-day charter
Run to Gordo Banks, Golden Gate or the Cabo San Lucas Canyon. Big-game tackle, multiple lines, billfish-focused.
Book full-day →Jul–Oct · prize season
Tournament prep
For serious anglers entering Bisbee's, Gold Cup or Stars & Stripes. Pre-tournament practice runs with veteran tournament captains.
Inquire about tournament →Catch-and-cook
Private + private chef
Charter + on-board cook. Catch dorado/tuna in the morning, fillet on board, sashimi/ceviche cooked fresh on the way back to dock.
Book catch-and-cook →Best conditions
Fishing seasons in Los Cabos
Different species peak at different times. Striped marlin is year-round but explodes Nov–Jun. Blue/black marlin Jul–Oct. Dorado and tuna May–Nov. Hurricane risk Aug–Oct.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak season
Good
Low
4–8 h
Trip length
5 nm
To deep water
21–28 °C
Sea temp
6 anglers
Typical max
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Secure booking
Direct with operator
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Free cancellation
Up to 48 h before
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Instant response
Within 1 hour
Frequently asked questions
What can I expect to catch in Los Cabos?
Striped marlin are realistic year-round, especially Nov–Jun. Blue and black marlin Jul–Oct. Dorado, yellowfin tuna and sailfish May–Nov. Roosterfish and snapper closer to shore. Catch-and-release for billfish is standard; you keep dorado and tuna.
When is the best month to fish Cabo?
Peak: October–November (multiple species + Bisbee's tournament hype). Best billfish odds: Nov–Jun. Best big game: Jul–Oct. Avoid September if you want certainty — it's peak hurricane season and trips get cancelled.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes — Mexico requires one. Our charters include the license in the rate. You don't buy it separately. Bring a passport for ID and the captain handles the paperwork.
What's included in the charter?
Captain, bilingual mate, fuel, all fishing gear (rods, reels, tackle, bait, lures), fishing license, ice, drinking water, life vests, fish handling and cleaning at the marina. Bring: hat, polarized sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, food/snacks if you don't add catering.
How early should I book?
Tournament season (Sep–Nov): 6–10 weeks ahead. Holiday weeks (Christmas / New Year / Easter): 8 weeks ahead. Off-season weekdays: often 24–72 h works fine.
Will my non-fishing partner enjoy the trip?
Many do — Los Cabos waters often deliver dolphin pods, sea turtles, mantas, whales (Dec–Apr) and sea-lion sightings on the way out and back. Bring a kindle, snorkel gear and seasickness meds. Some couples charter half-day specifically so non-anglers don't commit to a full 8 hours.
What happens if we don't catch anything?
It's rare in Cabo — the captains know the grounds and almost always find fish. Cabo bite-rates run 90 %+ for billfish in season. If conditions are exceptionally bad, captains will rebook. There's no “catch guarantee” on any charter, but the math is heavily in your favor here.
How does pricing work?
Pricing varies a lot by boat size, season, half vs full day, and tournament-week premiums. Send dates and group size on WhatsApp; we respond in under 1 hour with confirmed pricing on 2–3 boats.
Ready to fish the Marlin Capital?
Send dates, group size and target species. We respond within 1 hour with 2–3 boat options and confirmed pricing.
Sport Fishing in Los Cabos
Half-day or full-day · request quote